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9: Introduction to the Nervous System

  • Page ID
    90323
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    • 9.0: Introduction
      This page discusses the nervous system's role in regulating body functions and highlights the impact of neurological disorders across all life stages. Common disorders such as migraines, MS, dementia, and epilepsy vary in severity and symptoms, requiring comprehensive assessments. The increasing prevalence of these disorders in the aging population, particularly in the U.S.
    • 9.1: Introduction to the Nervous System
      This page explains the nervous system, which consists of the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord, while the PNS connects nerves to the body. The nervous system regulates thoughts, movements, and autonomic functions, enabling interaction with the environment and maintaining homeostasis. Its crucial role is emphasized as no other body system can operate without its input, underscoring its importance in bodily processes.
    • 9.2: Structure and Function of the Nervous System
      This page offers a comprehensive overview of the nervous system, highlighting its structure and function. It describes the role of neurons, their components—cell body, dendrites, and axon—in neurotransmission, and the interaction between the central and peripheral nervous systems.
    • 9.3: Characteristics of Drugs to Treat Nervous System Disorders
      This page discusses neurotransmitters and their critical role in nervous system communication, detailing how they transmit signals at synapses and influence bodily functions. It categorizes drugs that affect neurotransmitter activities into cholinomimetics, anticholinergics, and adrenoreceptor agents, which are used to treat various disorders.
    • 9.4: Chapter Summary
      This page explains the structure and function of the nervous system, distinguishing between the central (brain and spinal cord) and peripheral (autonomic and somatic) systems. It details the autonomic nervous system's sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, highlights the role of neurons and neurotransmitters like acetylcholine and norepinephrine, and examines how certain drugs affect the autonomic system, including parasympathomimetic and sympathomimetic medications.
    • 9.5: Key Terms
      This page covers the fundamentals of the nervous system, including its central and peripheral components and the role of neurons in neurotransmission. It explains neurotransmitters as essential chemical messengers and discusses the effects of parasympathomimetic and sympathomimetic drugs, which simulate the actions of the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems, respectively, impacting various physiological functions and homeostasis.
    • 9.6: Review Questions
      This page provides exercises to understand the nervous system's structure and functions, covering the central and peripheral systems, cerebellum's role in movement, cervical injuries, and autonomic functions. It distinguishes between sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, explains neurotransmission, and identifies acetylcholine as the main neurotransmitter in the autonomic system.


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